As the Kingdom approaches the 2,000th anniversary of the Baptism of Jesus Christ, changes are underway to ensure this sacred destination welcomes pilgrims and travellers for generations to come.

My last journey to Jordan in the autumn of 2018 left an unforgettable mark. Now, Jordan has become an essential stop for anyone who wants to experience the Middle East’s stories of faith and heritage.

Jordan is unveiling four visionary development projects set to transform the Baptism Site into an even more extraordinary destination. These bold initiatives promise to welcome pilgrims and curious travellers from around the world, creating an unforgettable experience during this historic celebration.

Related story: District 1818: Discover Chilliwack’s Village escape

Al-Maghtas, the Baptism Site

During my last visit, I explored Al-Maghtas, Jordan’s Baptism Site. For over 1,000 years, it has been one of Christianity’s most revered pilgrimage destinations, where faith and history run deep. For visitors seeking biblical landscapes and Christian heritage, this landmark is a must-visit.

With the 2,000th anniversary on the horizon, Jordan is seizing a once-in-a-millennium opportunity to preserve Al-Maghtas’ sanctity while reimagining the visitor journey.

Jordan has committed $120 million to four projects spanning 1.4 square km adjacent to the UNESCO World Heritage Site. These upgrades aim to welcome up to a million pilgrims a year and set the stage for an unforgettable anniversary in 2030.

Museum of Jesus Christ’s Baptism

At the heart of these developments is the new Museum of Jesus Christ’s Baptism, poised to chronicle the site’s archaeological, historical, and spiritual journey. Nearby, Bethany Village—the Pilgrims’ and Visitors’ Village—will offer boutique hotels, local eateries, vibrant shops, and peaceful plazas.

From there, essential upgrades—roads, water, electricity, and digital connectivity—will ensure easy access and comfort. In addition, the Green Ecological Corridor will safeguard the region’s natural beauty and biodiversity, with walking trails for visitors to reflect and take in the landscape.

“The 2,000th anniversary is an extraordinary moment for Jordan and for Christians around the world. We are committed to honouring the spiritual importance of the Baptism Site while ensuring that visitors can experience this remarkable place in a meaningful and memorable way,” affirms Ahmad Kraishan of the Jordan Tourism Board.

John the Baptist

Steeped in tradition, Al-Maghtas is believed to be where John the Baptist baptized Jesus Christ. A sacred act that continues to draw pilgrims to the eastern bank of the Jordan River.

Beyond the Baptism Site, travellers can immerse themselves in Jordan’s rich tapestry of religious, archaeological, and cultural wonders. Together, these experiences make Al-Maghtas the centrepiece of a journey across the Holy Land.

As the countdown to 2030 begins, Jordan is reimagining Al-Maghtas as both a sacred pilgrimage site and a destination for history, culture, and spiritual discovery. Set against the timeless beauty of the Jordanian landscape. This vision carries the story forward for all of us.

To learn more about Al-Maghtas, visit the Jordan Tourism Board.

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Hosted by Eco Fashion Week Australia 2026 (EFWA), this must-attend style event takes over Australia’s historic Midland Junction Arts Centre from October 30 to November 1. Blending fashion history with tomorrow’s conscious design.

Related story: Turnabout unveils flagship luxury reseller shop, redefining Vancouver style

EFWA Founder and Director Dr. Zuhal Kuvan-Mills is transforming the Midland Junction Arts Centre into a living atelier. Where slow fashion, heritage craftsmanship, and conscious design take centre stage.

Kuvan-Mills has assembled a dazzling lineup of eco-designers, textile artists, and sustainability leaders from around the globe. This special affair celebrates slow fashion, low-impact luxury, and the artistry of handmade textiles.

More than a fashion runway show, the event champions a movement. It spotlights zero-waste design, sumptuous natural fibres, upcycled treasures, and the slow-craft practices that put planet and people first.

Preserving Cultural Heritage: The Buya Subi Project

Central to the Handmade for the Earth mission is preserving traditional textile arts at risk of extinction in the age of fast fashion. This year’s program spotlights the Buya Subi Project, an international EFWA initiative dedicated to safeguarding the endangered handwoven Donggala textiles of Central Sulawesi, Indonesia. 

Signature Handmade for the Earth runway shows

Three days of curated signature runway shows showcasing only handmade luxury fashion collections. Each garment tells the story of the hands that made it – from natural dyeing, hand-weaving, hand-looming, hand-embroidery to zero-waste hand-construction.
Featuring Australian and International sustainable designers and Indigenous weaving cooperatives, including the acclaimed Buya Subi weavers of Desa Wisata Towale, Indonesia.

International Seminar Series – Why Handmade is the future

A vital educational program featuring designers, textile researchers, and cultural custodians discussing:
Why Handmade Textiles Are The Most Sustainable Textiles
Preserving Endangered Weaving Traditions
Natural Dyes, Fibres & Slow Processes
Ethical Trade & Protecting Artisan Intellectual Property
Green Economy, UN SDG Targets

Curated handmade Buya Subi exhibition

A three-day public exhibition at the Midland Junction Arts Centre galleries, featuring rare handmade textiles from the Buya Subi Project Collection. An immersive experience to see, touch, and learn.

Designer-specific pop-up shops & artisan boutiques

Each participating designer and weaving cooperative will host their own dedicated Pop-Up shop within the Centre. This is true slow shopping – meet the maker, learn the technique, and purchase directly with 100% transparency. All proceeds from artisan cooperatives go directly back to the makers.

EFWA event details

Eco Fashion Week Australia 2026 – Handmade  For the Earth, October 30 to Nov 1, 2026

Midland Junction Arts Centre, 276 Great Eastern Hwy, Midland WA 6056 Australia

Tickets & Participation: via www.ecofashionweekaustralia.com  

Photos: Alexis Rose Photography

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The invitation-only grand opening was more than just an event. It was a bold statement that luxury can be timeless, conscious, and utterly chic.

Above photo: Masha Melnychenko

Step inside and you’re greeted by the glittering glow of three grand chandeliers illuminating a wonderland of covetable designer finds.

Luxury handbags line the walls—think Hermès, Chanel, Gucci, and more. Nearby, racks showcase top European and American designer dresses, separates, and outerwear.

Related story: Hidden Treasures: Habsburg royal jewels at the MNBAQ

You’ll also discover glass cabinets filled with fine jewelry and accessories, plus shelves of footwear. Resale prices here can easily reach tens of thousands. With a strong focus on customer service, the store feels like a curated haven reminiscent of fashion boutiques throughout Paris and Rome.

A visit to Turnabout’s flagship is just the first stop on a curated South Granville-style tour. Start among the European brands at the luxury shop, then wander through the interior entrance to the contemporary shop brimming with labels like Lululemon and Aritzia.

Finally, stroll a few doors up to their first stand-alone men’s boutique, where cashmere masterpieces from Brunello Cucinelli and Burberry scarves beckon. The experience is nothing short of haute couture treasure hunting—right in the city’s heart.

Vancouver-born Joy Mauro founded Turnabout at age 23 and continues to lead the family business as CEO alongside her three sons.

With nine locations across Vancouver, Surrey and Victoria, Turnabout accepted and processed approximately 200,000 items for resale in 2025. This kept up to 70 metric tons from going to landfills in a single year.

Representing over 150,000 buyers and sellers, Mauro keeps the selling process simple. Clients can bring items in without an appointment five days a week, request quotes online, or book virtual consultations and in-person house calls for pre-screened wardrobes.

Suitable items that cannot be sold through Turnabout’s locations can be donated to the Turnabout Community store, where proceeds support the local community.

Turnabout’s luxury resale shops promote a circular, more sustainable approach to fashion. They encourage you to buy quality pieces that can have many lives, care for them well, and regularly pass along items that have sat in your closet for months.

Let someone else enjoy them, and put the money in your pocket for your next purchase.

Long before sustainability became fashion’s hottest trend, Turnabout was leading the movement—extending the lifecycle of luxury pieces while making high fashion refreshingly accessible. As industry heavyweights like Lululemon and Canada Goose dip their toes into resale, Turnabout continues to set the gold standard.

Turnabout’s enduring legacy proves that true style is as much about conscious choices as it is about covetable brands.

By blending luxury, sustainability, and a passion for fashion, this Vancouver resale company inspires shoppers to embrace a future where looking fabulous and doing good go hand in hand.

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As someone who enjoys escaping the bustle of city life, I often travel up the Fraser Valley to explore local towns. District 1881 draws its name from the year of Chilliwack’s first major development, when the area was known as Centreville, giving modern adventures a historical backdrop.

Related Story: Hidden Treasures: Habsburg royal jewels at the MNBAQ

On a recent visit, I found District 1881 to be an ideal spot for a break or an afternoon of exploration. The pedestrian-friendly neighbourhood features charming, whimsically named alleys like Woolly Dog and Sasquatch Lane, inviting visitors to wander and discover.

Food and drink are highlights here. Smoking Gun Coffee Roasters is a must-visit for coffee lovers, known for serving some of the best coffee in the region. For craft brews and wine, Freehouse Brewing Co. and Fortitude Wine Bar stand out. Dining options abound, from Bow & Stern Restaurant’s seafood to Hugo’s Mexican Kitchen and the highly recommended Elevated Pizza Co. Within the village, outdoor table seating is available for casual dining.

Beyond food and drink, District 1881 offers a variety of boutique shops, including clothing (both new and resale), jewelry, and fine art. For those who want to extend their stay, the boutique Hotel Morado offers a stylish, convenient overnight option just upstairs.

Whether you’re seeking a quick getaway, a culinary adventure, or a place to soak in local culture, District 1881 – Chilliwack Village delivers a truly memorable experience. My visit left me impressed by the vibrant atmosphere, friendly community, and the seamless blend of old and new. I encourage anyone looking for a unique destination in the Fraser Valley to put District 1881 at the top of their list—you’ll find plenty to explore and enjoy.

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At the heart of the exhibition lies a captivating tale: imagine imperial jewels whisked across the Atlantic under the threat of war, hidden in Québec for decades, and now unveiled to the public as a bridge between European grandeur and French-Canadian heritage.

Above photo: Unknown European jeweller, Hat pin in the colours of the Austrian Empire, 18^th century. Silver, gilt silver/gold, diamonds, and yellow sapphires, 11.5 × 5.5 × 1.8 cm. Saint Joseph Trust // Photo: MNBAQ, Louis Hébert

Related story: Leah Yard Designs: West Coast lighthouse-inspired jewelry

Far more than shimmering gems, these treasures carry an extraordinary backstory. Picture them arriving in Canada in a humble brown briefcase, then spending nearly a century in secrecy within a Québec City bank vault—waiting for their moment to shine.

Visitors will follow in the footsteps of Zita of Bourbon-Parma, the last Empress of Austria and Queen of Hungary, whose journey brought her—and this imperial collection—to refuge in Québec City in October 1940.

The jewels’ historic journey

After the collapse of the Austro-Hungarian Empire at the end of World War I, Emperor Charles and Empress Zita went into exile.

As the world convulsed during the Second World War, Zita escaped Nazi troops and found sanctuary at Villa Saint-Joseph in Sillery—a quiet corner of Québec City with stories whispering from its walls.

Here, the imperial family forged friendships and memories that linger in Québec’s collective consciousness. The jewels—tucked away, their whereabouts a closely guarded secret—became woven into the province’s hidden history.

Now, for the first time, the hidden treasures of the Habsburg royal jewels emerge from the shadows at the MNBAQ. Among them is the fabled 137-carat Florentine Diamond—a glowing centrepiece in a story of exile, resilience, and the remarkable bond between Québec and the Old World.

A three-part journey

Your visit to the MNBAQ’s Hidden Treasures exhibition begins with sweeping historical milestones: the grandeur of the Habsburg dynasty, Charles Habsburg-Lorraine’s fairy-tale marriage to Zita of Bourbon-Parma in 1911, the Empire’s sudden fall in 1918, and the winding path of exile that ultimately led the empress and her children to Quebec’s welcoming shores.

Next, travellers will discover how the imperial saga intertwines with Québec’s own heritage through 19th-century artworks and artifacts. The focus narrows to Québec City, where the family’s friendships, the ongoing enigma of the jewels, and generational secrets heighten the narrative’s suspense.

The final stop? A breathtaking display of all 15 jewels, accompanied by the very briefcase that safeguarded them across continents and decades. Standing before these artifacts, visitors are invited to contemplate the resilience of a dynasty—and the extraordinary odyssey of a family searching for a new home.

Long hidden from the world, the Habsburg royal jewels at the MNBAQ now invite you to see them not as mere luxuries but as silent storytellers, bearing witness to survival, resilience, and the unexpected ties that bind Europe and Québec.

Insignia of the Order of the Golden Fleece

Among the highlights, you’ll spot the Insignia of the Order of the Golden Fleece—one of Europe’s most storied chivalric orders. Dating to the 18th century, this medallion was worn by Charles I at his wake, representing the Habsburgs’ deep-rooted legacy and faith.

Marie Antoinette pocket watch

Another must-see: an exquisite pocket watch that once belonged to Marie Antoinette herself—a glittering intersection of jewelry and history. Hidden away during the French Revolution, it eventually found its way back to Marie Antoinette’s daughter as a wedding gift. Flip it over, and you’ll spot a lock of hair, thought to be from Empress Maria Theresa, adding a touch of poignancy to this royal keepsake.

The Florentine Diamond

The crown jewel of the exhibition is, without question, the Florentine Diamond—an icon of Habsburg opulence and intrigue. Once believed lost for over a century, this 137-carat marvel dazzles with its pure, light-yellow glow and intricate double rose cut. Its journey across royal courts and continents is the ultimate traveler’s tale, culminating right here in Québec.

Hidden Treasures: A Century of Mystery is now on display at the MNBAQ in Quebec City.

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A favourite among those who live and breathe local fashion, Leah’s creations are the ultimate secret for the city’s most discerning style insiders. For us, fashion is all about being in the know.

Since founding her namesake studio in 2013, Leah Yard has become synonymous with Vancouver’s chicest moments. This latest fall/holiday preview—a dazzling affair for a lucky few—sets the tone for a season defined by West Coast radiance, versatility, and personal expression.

Fashion story: EFWA Buya Subi Collection

The inspiration: Carry the Light

This season’s collection is Leah’s most intimate yet. Her father was an assistant lighthouse keeper, and she draws inspiration from her enchanting childhood spent on remote lighthouse islands along British Columbia’s wild, windswept coast.

Imagine monthly deliveries of food, mail and supplies by a Canadian Coast Guard helicopter—Leah’s formative years in rugged isolation have left a lasting imprint on her design philosophy. The result? Jewelry that is as practical as it is chic, with adjustable, convertible styles that speak to her West Coast roots.

This year, Leah’s creative energy centres on resilience and rebirth—finding rays of hope when the world feels uncertain. The lighthouse becomes both muse and metaphor: a shimmering beacon that guides ships safely and inspires the collection’s defining message, “Carry the Light.”

The pieces: Beacon, Muse and layered details

The must-have of the collection is Leah’s show-stopping Beacon gold necklace, elegantly engraved with “Carry the Light.” More than a statement piece, it is a daily reminder to radiate joy and optimism — an accessory made to shine from sunrise to soirée.

Colour takes centre stage this season with a dreamy palette of blues and greens. The Muse necklace, inspired by ocean-tumbled sea glass, stuns in sapphire blue—a luminous choice for the upcoming holiday season.

The collection is designed for versatility: wear the jewels solo for understated chic, or layer them for a look with pure style. Textured leather bracelets add a bold, unexpected twist, giving the season’s wrist candy a more tactile West Coast edge.

Leah Yard Designs Jewelry

With its lighthouse symbolism, sea-glass palette, and versatile day-to-night styling, Leah Yard Designs’ latest jewelry collection channels the confidence of West Coast women.

For fall and the holidays, it invites you to play, mix, layer, and express yourself—because true style is all about letting your own light shine.

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Related story: Runway to Runway: How flight attendants became fashion models of the skies

EFWA

The showcase formed part of EFWA’s international fashion program, created to support the United Nations Fashion & Lifestyle sustainability initiatives while championing the livelihoods of women weavers from Towale Village.

Featuring exquisite handwoven textiles transformed into contemporary fashion, the collection demonstrated how cultural heritage and modern design can come together to create meaningful impact.

Led by EFWA Founder and Creative Director Dr. Zuhal Kuvan-Mills, the Australian delegation included professional models, make-up artists, and photographers who collaborated with the University to produce a special runway event.

The presentation reflected a vibrant exchange of creativity, bringing together Australian fashion professionals, Indonesian academics, students, and local artisans in a celebration of craftsmanship, culture, and sustainability.

Tadulako University

More than a fashion show, the EFWA Tadulako University event highlighted the power of ethical fashion to preserve traditional skills, empower women, and inspire a new generation of designers to embrace sustainability while honouring the stories woven into every textile.

Photos: Simon Lau

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During my visit to the Museum of Flight, I discovered a distinctive chapter in fashion history: flight attendant uniforms made from modern fabrics, defined by vibrant colours and striking silhouettes!

Learn about the European designers who dress flight attendants to make them the face of the airlines. See how uniforms turn them into movie stars as they walk across the terminal concourse. 

Check out my fashion story on fwtmagazine.com. 

Above photo: Eight Hughes Airwest flight attendants waving from the wing of a Douglas DC-9 aircraft, circa 1971-1978. Courtesy of the Museum of Flight.

Related story: International Fashion Gala Finale

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Returning for its fourth year, the False Creek Crab Fest has become one of Vancouver’s signature summer food celebrations, bringing together seafood lovers, families, and community members for an unforgettable afternoon of West Coast flavour and fun on the waterfront. 

Related story: Come and enjoy the Spot Prawn Festival

False Creek Crab Fest

At the heart of the festival is BC’s iconic Dungeness Crab, prepared in a delicious crab boil experience created by acclaimed local chefs including Vish Mayekar and Johnny Bridge. Guests will enjoy a whole locally harvested crab paired with BC Craft beverages while taking in the vibrant atmosphere of Vancouver’s working harbour.

Set against the scenic backdrop of False Creek Fishermen’s Wharf, the festival offers guests a rare opportunity to connect directly with local fishers, while enjoying one of Vancouver’s most scenic waterfront views. With live music, games, and educational booths, this vibrant outdoor event is fun for all ages. Come out and be part of the celebration. 

False Creek Crab Fest is a celebration with purpose. The event raises awareness for the sustainable management of British Columbia’s crab fishery and supports the future of the food and hospitality community. Proceeds help advance initiatives led by Chefs’ Table Society, including CTS’s culinary scholarships, mentorships, sustainability projects, and the development of The Commons by CTS – a gathering place dedicated to strengthening BC’s food and hospitality sector. Support the cause by attending. 

Ticket Information

Buy Tickets

Tickets include one delicious Dungeness Crab plate, a sweet treat, and two beverage-tasting tickets.

• Early Bird Tickets $65 per person + taxes on sale until June 14, 2026
• On June 15, 2025, General Admission Tickets are available for $70 per person + taxes
• Tickets at the door are available for $75 per person + taxes, subject to availability

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This year’s theme celebrated elegance, and David Chen did not disappoint.

Related story: International Fashion Gala: Ole to Elegance

Guests enjoyed music, dance, bridal wear, and opulent fashions.

David Chen himself showcased a beautiful floral dress with blue flowers. This was followed by YiYi Chinese dancers from Seattle, WA, and Japanese kimono dresses.

Mine Fashion presented a range of elegant yet stylish wedding, bridesmaid, prom, and evening dresses available for rental.

My favourite looks of the night were from the Myles Elegance collection. It presented theatrical flair, from the old-world opera to modern extravagant fashions. 

This year, Chen has partnered with the BC Cancer Foundation to champion the Vancouver Cancer Centre’s technology innovation initiative. 

Beneath the tall stained-glass windows surrounding the runway, the Gala was filled with fashion indulgence. An evening enjoyed by all. 

Photos: Simon Lau

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